The event provided an opportunity for us to engage directly with the Federal Government to develop national policy and to influence the future direction of our councils and our communities.

The theme of this year’s National General Assembly was “Australia’s Future: Make it Local”, which spoke directly to the importance of local communities and local governments in determining our own futures and, in turn, the future of Australia.

CenWest Innovate at Charles Sturt University recently partnered with Young Change Agents to offer around 40 female high school students the opportunity to participate in a two-and-a-half-day social entrepreneurship course.

The course focused on how the students can utilise science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills to solve problems.

Students worked in teams of five to identify issues in the community and were provided with tools to think creatively and turn the problems into opportunities. 

Well done to everyone involved.

THERE is an unprecedented level of support for apprentices in this year’s state budget, with the NSW Government offering 100,000 free apprenticeships to ensure there is a strong pipeline of skilled workers across the state.

This new $285 million skills and training package means that, as of next month, free apprenticeships will be offered to newly enrolled apprentices in any course.

As a government, we have already created the positions for apprentices by ensuring 20 per cent of trade roles on all future government projects will be filled by apprentices, and now we are covering the cost of their training.

This sort of free training offer has never been made before, so I encourage people thinking about learning new skills, or starting a new career, to make the most of it.

The 100,000 free apprenticeships will be on offer over the next four years and include all 121 courses currently funded under the Smart and Skilled program. Visit www.smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au.

Hidden treasures

DO you know a rural woman who makes your community a better place to live? Nominations are now open for the 2018 NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, which recognises the outstanding efforts of women volunteers.

We’re encouraging people to nominate friends, family members and colleagues who donate their time to improving our rural communities and neighbourhoods.

With a growing list of over 850 inductees, the honour roll has been a way to publicly thank rural women volunteers since 2010. The honour roll captures the inspirational stories and recognises the important and diverse roles women volunteers play within NSW rural communities.

All rural women nominated will be included in the 2018 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, which will be launched at the annual NSW Rural Women’s Gathering being hosted by women from Merimbula on October 19-21.

There are almost 1.7 million volunteers who give more than 241 million hours of voluntary work to the NSW community.

It’s extremely important that we celebrate the valuable work of volunteers. From the provision of everyday services to their assistance in times of emergency, volunteers are the heart and soul of our rural communities.

Visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/rural-support/rural-womens-network/hidden-treasures. Nominations close July 30.